IP65 compression latch with colour open / closed indicator

IP65 compression locks like the 1-077 from FDB Panel Fittings are becoming ever more popular for applications requiring quick and reliable door closure without rattling, even when subjected to significant vibration. It is therefore ideal for vehicle on-board cabinets, panels, compartment doors, as well as gen-set packs, HVAC equipment or similar.

Compression technology in this style is ideal for soft clamping and positive gasket pull-down to ensure positive sealing, especially on larger doors.

The 1-077 features IP65 sealing capability and a compression stroke of 6.5mm with fully closed dimensions of 22, 24, 28 or 38mm, dependant upon specification. A particular feature is its colour indicator for open/closed on the latch head, which provides instant recognition of the lock position. Door thicknesses of from 0.8mm to 22mm may be accommodated with LH or RH configurations as required.

Further information on FDB Panel Fittings products and services may be found at: www.fdb.co.uk, or follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting.

The D-SNAP® range of panel assembly joiners, locks, hinges

The D-SNAP® range of panel assembly joiners, locks, hinges etc is designed to enable specialist cabinet builders to quickly fabricate housings with flat sheet into a robust structure. These new joiner components from FDB Panel Fittings operate to fasten two or more sheet metal panels together by simply pressing and snapping the joiner into prepared panel cutouts. They are ideal for fastening cabinet components, e.g. removable top or base and for robust firm fixing of panels of similar or varying thickness, e.g. multi-component motor control cabinets.

The 1-044SL is intended for permanent assembly or joining of cabinets side by side whereas the 1-045SL is specifically for situations where one panel may require regular removal, e.g. for maintenance. The 1-046SL also allows one panel to be removed; it is the ideal solution where lighting panels for example have to be removed. The fixed side is fastened with screws enabling the joiner to be used with materials such as wood or for retro-fit installation where hole purchasing is not a possibility.

D-SNAP® joiners will adjust to varying thicknesses of panel and use standard 30x10mm cutouts enabling rapid assembly after painting. Where removable panels are needed then pull-off forces may be chosen from 15N/30N/50N dependant upon component.

For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk, or follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting  Refer to page 73

Elesa spherical rod ends keep linkages moving - accurately!

The new BJT series of M6 to M14 glass reinforced technopolymer spherical rod ends are designed to require zero maintenance with low wear and to absorb vibration and stress while minimising noise. They have good mechanical strength and low weight, while being corrosion resistant even in aggressive industrial environments where chemical agents, fine dusts, dirt, fabrics or machining residues are present.

The BJT series features encapsulated self-lubricating balls and are especially suitable for rotary, oscillating and linear movements even in aggressive environments. Elesa considers applications are likely to include sensor mechanisms, gas struts, rod control linkages, motion control - low power movement transmission and pneumatic actuator systems.

This operation of oscillating levers and conversion of rotary to linear motion is particularly useful for remote operation of long rod systems, e.g. pick and place assembly machines.

For further information regarding Elesa products, view website: www.elesa.co.uk   Refer to page 46

New bearing materials for the food and drinks processing industry

Bearings specialist igus UK now offers a range of bearing products that are blue in colour for easier detection in the food and drinks industry. The new iglidur A350 polymer plain bearing material is FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration USA) and the igubal polymer material can also be recognised by metal detectors; both materials are manufactured completely from tribo-optimised plastic.

In the UK the contamination of food is illegal under The Food Safety Act 1990, that states: 'It shall be a defence for the person charged to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence by himself or by a person under his control.'
"The use of a visually detectable product with a colour not naturally found very often in nature is a reasonable precaution," explains Matt Aldridge of igus UK. "For this reason, blue-coloured products have become the de facto standard - blue-coloured items, ranging from plasters to hair nets, are now widely used in food preparation areas and large scale mass produced food lines, which is why we've developed a blue range of bearings designed specifically for this industry."

The igus iglidur A350 polymer plain bearing material is FDA-approved, which means that it can touch food and, should, in the unlikely event that particles contaminate food, be ingested without causing harm to the person. Highly wear-resistant, iglidur A350 can handle long-term temperature exposure up to 180degC and is resistant to a variety of chemicals and other liquid media.  This makes the blue polymer material ideal for applications in the food, packaging and bottle-filling industries that undergo regular steam and chemical cleaning processes. Delivering low coefficients of friction, the iglidur A350 plain bearing is also corrosion-resistant, lubrication- and maintenance-free.

For use in the food and drinks industry, a blue variant of the igus igubal range is made of detectable plastic.  When these special igubal bearings are fitted to a machine, there is no possibility of any igubal parts contaminating the end product when a metal detector is fitted on the automated production line.

The igus igubal detectable plastic range includes lubricant and maintenance-free rod end bearings and clevis joints, flange, pivoting and pillow block bearings, which are suitable for dry use at application temperatures ranging from -30 to +80°C. They can run in liquids as well as chemicals, and are corrosion-resistant - so are not adversely effected by regular washdowns. In comparison to traditional metallic bearings, the igubal range offers better damping characteristics since the specially developed plastic material absorbs vibrations more effectively.

igus UK Ltd in profile
Based in Northampton in the UK, and with global headquarters in Cologne, Germany, igus is the largest producer of injection moulded polymer bearings and reinforced plastic cable carriers in the world. Product lines include industry-leading e-chain cable carriers, chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglidur plastic plain bearings, igubal spherical bearings, drylin linear bearings and guide systems. The company has 26 subsidiaries across 31 countries and employs approximately 1,800 people worldwide. With plastic bearing experience since 1964, cable carrier experience since 1971 and continuous-flex cable since 1989, igus provides the right solution based on 80,000 products available from stock with between 1,500 and 2,500 new products introduction each year.

For further information, view website: www.igus.co.uk/bluebearingforfoodindustry and www.igus.co.uk/metaldetectableplasticbearings   Refer to page 53

New integral studded guide wheels designed for "V" groove rails

Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) announces a new line of integral studded standard guide wheels. Identified as the BGXCOMMSW... Series, they are made of 52100 chrome steel and feature nylon retainers. They are offered in both concentric and eccentric stud types. The rails for these guide wheels are also stocked. QBC demands the highest levels of material cleanliness, surface finish and straightness to provide optimum performance, minimal maintenance, long life and, above all, safety. Quotes plus online orders are available at our new QBC eStore.

QBC has in stock: miniature bearings, plastic bearings, rod end bearings, spherical bearings, pillow blocks, sintered bronze bushings, radial ball bearings, thrust bearings & washers, sleeve bearings, needle bearings, inner races, roller clutches, guide wheels & rail systems, linear ball bearings, inner and outer ring spacers, and shafting. QBC stocks both inch and metric sizes. New to the Web site is our eStore which allows you to check price and availability, place an order or request a quote anytime. QBC also provides custom-made bearings and shafting to the customer print. We also offer on-site relubing of bearings in a certified class 1000 clean room.

The new line of integral studded standard guide wheels. Identified as the BGXCOMMSW... Series.

Detailed technical specifications are available free upon request from Quality Bearings & Components (QBC), 125 Railroad Avenue, Garden City Park, NY 11040-5016. Phone: 1.888-276-4787, Fax: 1-516-616-0443. Web: http://www.qbcbearings.com/Press/GuideWheels.htm  Refer to page 92

Despite the overarching presence of computer storage
there is still a powerful need for hard copy plan drawings

Despite the overarching presence of computer storage there is still a powerful need for hard copy plan drawings. As recognised by the people at FDB Panel Fittings, storage and easy visibility of flat plans in A2, A1 and A0 sizes can be a significant problem - a problem however readily addressed by the new offerings from FDB of the PRO Plan Filing System single end mounted pockets and the ECO system double end mounted units.

Explains Terry Cantle, M.D. of FDB Panel Fittings: "We have seen a demand for tidy storage of printed plan documents and found that the PRO and ECO products provide an excellent solution. Both ranges include wall mounting options with capabilities of 500 to 1000 sheets, while the PRO Clear-Desk System provides a way to co-locate a flat screen monitor adjacent to A1 and A2 hard copies on a desk based workstation."

FDB additionally offer mobile stands for up to 2400 sheets and a Combi Mobile unit with suspended planholders back to back with shelves for books or lever arch file boxes.

For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk, or follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting  Refer to page 73